Well, it's taken me a little time, but I've managed to track down one of the ancient DMOD authors. He's not been active in the community for nearly 4 years, and during that time only gave us 2 DMODs, but what DMODS! Both of them are in the top excellent category ...
Head to the comments section for the full interview with the Creator of Dorinthia - Bill Szczytko!
Q: Bill, it has been a long time since your presence has been felt within the Dinkiverse, but at the same time, your legacy is one of exceptional quality with both of your DMODs (Quest for Dorinthia, and Quest for Dorinitha II) in the top category. Just wondering how you first came across Dink and what your initial thoughts were? Were you hooked straight away, or was it a gradual process?
A: I was scanning a site that existed for “Free” games. I can’t remember the name of it now but it mentioned a free RPG with a Zelda style. I enjoyed Zelda a lot so I figured I’d try it. For 2000 the graphics still were sub par but the game play was so much fun and Dink had this sick sense of humor (kind of like me) that I was hooked immediately.
Q: How long was it before you found the Dink Community, and (roughly) what was the date and the first websites you visited that were Dink related? Can you tell us a bit about how the community was back when you first discovered the strange game that sprung from Seth's mind?
A: The first website I visited is still the best one. Redink’s… although I can’t remember what the original URL was. I think Dink was in kind of a transition phase. You had people that were getting over it from its initial Freeware phase. There really wasn’t a lot of activity. I think people were thirsty for a “good” DMOD. (Sorry Tim Maurer) I know I had a lot of trouble finding really good ones (Except for Prophecy of Ancients, of course  )
Q: Onto the decision to make a DMOD: what prompted this? And can you shed any light on how you went about making QFD? Did you come up with the story first, or just plunge headlong in to map making? Did you do a trial or test DMOD first before attempting QFD? Did you seek help from the Community, or just power on by yourself? What was the inspiration behind the story? Where did the name Dorinthia come from? What was it about the DMOD that you were happiest with?
A: What prompted my decision to make a DMOD can be summed up in a few words: Prophecy of Ancients. It was great from beginning to end. My creative juices were flowing after beating it and I knew I could make one I could enjoy as much. The idea of Quest for Dorinthia just came to me as I stared at the map. I knew I wanted a map with different towns and a King just like the original. I took the best parts of the original and tried to give it that same flow. The story came to me slowly over the course of a few weeks… (Mostly just before I fell asleep… HA HA). I think of the name Dorinthia now and cringe. I wish I can change it for many reasons. The main one is because it sounds so similar to Quest for Arinthia which had absolutely nothing to do with this. I never realized the entire time during making it how similar those names were. Someday maybe I’ll change it to Quest for Susan or something….
A: I did have people help me test it. Someone, redink1. While some of the comments were positive, mostly there were some harsh criticisms. First, the original map of QFD was ALL open. You could go anywhere on the map. (Hence the fence around the guarded house with Milder) They thought people would get lost. I agreed. Without a clear sense of direction I worried that people would get lost. So that’s why there is some hand holding…
The best part of the DMOD for me is the story (Which looking back now has MANY holes in it but it at least keeps you interested.) and the secrets. I enjoy wandering around a map and get rewarded for my efforts with some gold or strength potions. It’s just the way I like to play. I also like hiding secret areas that reveal other things for you.
Q: After QFD you made a sequel, and it seemed to come out fairly quickly, mind you I'm not sure of dates here, as I only found my way to the Dink Community about the time you released QFD II. QFD II was better than QFD, with lots of great quests and innovative ideas. What do you remember as the differences (if any) in making the sequel compared to the original? Did you use the same beta testers with both DMODs? Was the idea of a sequel already in your mind when you were working on the first one? What were the moments of frustration that have been burned into your soul from the experience? Was there anything in the sequel you had planned but didn't put in? And if so what were the ideas and what were the reasons behind them being dropped?
A: Sadly I was unemployed at the time of making both DMOD’s. That’s why I had so much time to make it. It only took me a month to make QFD II. But you must remember that was Monday to Friday 8 – 6 every week. With that much time it can be done, trust me. I loved making QFD II, and loved every minute of the process. By this point I was very comfortable with the editor and making scripts and I was really starting to have fun with it. The story to QFD II came in my head one night towards the end of QFD I. I received some flack from people telling me that QFD I was too hard… or it didn’t hold your hand enough. I never understand that but I tried to appease those people with QFD II. I’ve replayed it many times since 2000 and I love it still. There are many things I’d change in QFD I now (and I still might… really … I might … QFD I Special Edition anyone?) but if I was to do QFD II again there isn’t much I’d change. It is a very solid DMOD… bug free (Almost), great story, good characters (Who doesn’t like Portho?), and some decent looking maps. I found this great MIDI that I used (TOO MUCH I THINK) on the main island. While making it I used to play it all the time…. MDBones was a HUGE help in making my DMOD. She would get daily “builds” all the time to help me out. She also had some good ideas to nudge me along.
The biggest frustration with making DMOD’s is hardness. Even with this new file that’s out now hardness can be very frustrating to deal with. Between editor problems and the way the hard.dat was originally made, it was cause for a lot of frustration. Even to this day I STILL HATE HARDNESS… AHHHHH!!
Everything I planned for QFD II had made it in. I still have a ton of ideas for QFD III… many times since 2000 I’ve thought about going back but for some reason or another I never have. Someday maybe….
Q: Did you play many of the DMODs around 4 years ago? If so, what ones stand out for you and why?
A: I must confess I have not played many at all. Once I got out I really got out. No real reasons I guess… just getting older and other priorities have popped up. I just started playing Stone of Balance and I have been having fun with it. I tried the Gems of Life but I just could get through it… Too weird for my tastes.
Q: Sadly you left the community in 2000, just wondering if there is any reasons you'd care to share as to why? Had you lost interest in Dink? Moved onto other games? Do you still occasionally visit the Dink Network, or has it been completely put into the past?
A: I moved on. Got caught up in Unreal Tournament, No one lives Forever, and the Sims. Now it’s Unreal Tournament 2004, MVP Baseball 2004, and Morrowind. I must confess that I haven’t checked by the Dink Network in over a year… (Ouch... sorry about that)
Q: Besides Dink what computer games have you played and loved over the years? Do you write add-ons for any other games now?
A: Unreal Tournament, No one lives forever, Sims, Deus Ex, many others that I’ve played. I’ve tried to make maps for Unreal Tournament but as you surmise from QFD II I have no artistic ability (Remember that line?) That doesn’t bode well for making these high powered add-ons. I’ve been having more fun just playing them.
Q: Is there any chance you will write another game, be it add-on like Dink or something else? If no, could you elaborate why?
A: I think I will write another mainly because my restless imagination won’t let me go on much longer. I might even make QFD III and complete the saga.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Computers of course. It’s also my full time job. IT Manager at your service.
Q: What is your favourite food and why?
A: Taco Bell… because it’s fattening, not good for you, and against everything your mother told you to do….
Q: Do you have a favorite movie or television show? What are they, and what is it about them that you like?
A: Favorite “movies” actually depending on my mood. Braveheart would qualify as #1, Field of Dreams, Titanic, Indiana Jones, Star Wars. Braveheart about sums up QFD I. Romance, action, and a story… (without the budget)
Q: Do you spend a lot of time of the Internet, and are there any sites you visit often, or just find funny?
A: I spend probably too much time on the internet, but mostly playing games. I usually check by tech sites like warp2search.net or savagenews.com. Also I glance by gamespot.com everyday…
Q: Where do you live now?
A: Good ole’ USA. Eastern United States. I’m a beach bum. (I could give all of you my address but really what would be the point?)
Q: Have you got any advice you'd like to give new DMOD authors?
A: Story first, interesting graphics later. I don’t want to kill those 300 new rainbow pillbugs if you don’t give me a reason to. Story is what keeps you going. Period.
Thanks Simon this was nice. Makes me feel like I actually accomplished something when I was unemployed!! HA HA!
You're welcome Bill, thanks for the interview, and on behalf of the community, thanks for your DMODs.I think you have accomplished something – something pretty amazing – all your DMODs are in the top 10! I sure hope you give in to that idea of doing QFD III!
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